Biting Feet

by Johanna
(UK)

You can sort of see his feet here...

My dog George (almost 7 years) keeps chewing and licking his paws until they bleed. The vets say it may have started as an allergy and now turned into a habit, but I was wondering if anybody else has experience with that? Is it a Coton thing? They're so red and look so sore (indeed all places where George's saliva goes are red, his bum and muzzle are too). I'm really stumped at what else it could be, seems like he's reacting to his own saliva...

Comments for Biting Feet

I use a high quality oatmeal shampoo (no sulfates, etc) and cream rinse for his baths. This has eliminated scratching. My vet recommended doing this. AND after coming back from every walk I rinse all 4 feet with plain running water and swish each paw in the sink. Last year before all this foot rinsing he had "allergies". Now he has no "allergies". It's amazing how much sand and dirt their hair picks up on even a short walk. Good Luck.

Oct 17, 2015Rating

FeetNEWby: Vicky & Jonah

I 100% agree w/Gail to exhaust all before throwing drugs at a dog. After using the cream as I suggested which really just relieves the raw irritation of biting & chewing get a flashlight, treats, qtip & dog shampoo. Really look against the skin between the pads & it's hard since their fur is dark but look for dirt, tar something foreign that a lot of times gets logged against the skin stuck in fur.

You can wet qtip & put a drop of shampoo on & washed in between the pads against the skin. If it comes out dirty their maybe tar etc stuck against the skin stuck into fur.

Maybe Jonah's feet are weird but we walk every morning. Now we don't walk weird places just on road in front of house to sidewalk etc. As soon as he starts obsessing at his feet I will run my fingers or use qtip w/flashlight & I always find even the smallest piece of dirt chip or that hard tar from road patchy or tree sap that seems to draw to their feet. I also keep his hair trimmed between the pads & it helps but not perfect.

I have also checked & missed it one day but found it the next. My Silkys did the same thing but like the princess & the pea a dog will lick & chew with the slightest foreign item I guess the same way we feel the smallest rock in our shoes.

At least once you have ruled out items in their paws u then can work on food or medication.

I don't suggest cutting things out unless your confident or tweezers. Dawn soap or shampoo on qtip will using dissolve sap or tar. Good luck

Oct 17, 2015Rating

So cuteNEWby: Candilea

George is adorable!!! I hope he stops that. Good luck!

Oct 17, 2015Rating

New vetNEWby: Gale

I agree with the comment that maybe it's time to find a new vet. Speaking from years of experience with Luc's allergies, I had to switch vets several times before finding someone who didn't just throw drugs at us.

It's important to find the cause so you can find the right solution. This is something a good vet should be able to help you with.

I have tried everything under the sun for Luc and right now what's working is a combination of medication (Atopica), special shampoo (Ketohex), and a large teaspoon of virgin coconut oil.

Good luck!!

Oct 17, 2015Rating

Possibly yeast Infectionby: Anonymous

Hi my coton is nearly 7 now but noticed she was doing a lot of scratching of ears and chewing and licking paws did a look up and saw that it's connected with yeast infection easily curable says apple cider vinegar - small amount In their water but on 2nd day my pup wouldn't drink her water so stopped that but table spoon of natural Greek yoghurt mixed in with their food she loves it and stopped the paw licking and biting too. Hope that helps and he gets better soon.

Oct 16, 2015Rating

Feetby: Vicky & Jonah

Just one thought if u cannot find dogs wound & infection cream u can use Neosporin or in the generic it's usually called triple antibiotic & u can use the same u buy for people. It's just that it's greasy like gasoline & can get on ur bedding etc but does wash out.

Also while ur picking up product get some dog Itch Relief Hydrocortisone Spray. Here in the states I get mine at Wal-Mart around $5. Or @ the pet store like petsmart or petco it's $9.

Don't use it thou till u do the 1st process to help heal & relieve whatever is making them obsess lick & bite. U can spray this on between the pads during the day thou while ur at work because you don't want to leave the bandage on all day so the feet get some air even before you do another step to look for the problem.

I would do this toward early evening. Start w/ 2 front paws first. Take cream & squirt a good amount in between pads. Take the tape & wrap start @ toes but leave the nails open & work ur way up the foot a little so when they walk it stays in tack. Repeat to other foot.

The tape stretches & grips & is non slip so if the run or jump they don't get hurt but even thou every once in a while I have to do this it always take me more then once to get it tight enough but not to tight. U can order this tape that comes w/o bitter taste if dog likes to chew off. U can take unscented gel deodorant temporarily & rub on outside that might work curbing the chewing.

This process starts the action of helping the raw chewed feet heel. If u really plan & do this repost that u do & I will take the time to post the rest. I would repeat this at least 2 nights to start. The reason I mention early evening is b/c since their less activity & u can watch them & they sleep u have to worry less them chewing off bandaid.

Do not use ppls.infection Cream u can buy dogs @ a pet store.

I to thou would get another vet if they did not help walk u through simple actions to start curbing his excessive habit. Anyway let me know if u want me to post the rest. Honestly it's just as easy as first part but requires nursing activity just as u do for kids & yourself.😃😃🙌

Oct 16, 2015Rating

biting pawsby: Anonymous

I would try another vet. Something should be done to help the poor little pup before it gets worse. He needs some sort of meds before he gets infected.

Oct 16, 2015Rating

Possible Yeast Infection?by: Carol

Hi there. I just read your post and feel so bad for your poor little guy...he is obviously in a lot of pain from whatever is going on! I looked up some of the symptoms and it could be a yeast infection that could have started in his mouth or intestinal tract, and is now affecting his feet when he is licking them. Yeast grows wherever it is moist and warm. Here's what I found on the web:

Yeast Infection
If your dog can't seem to stop scratching an ear or licking and chewing her toes, ask your veterinarian to check for a yeast infection. Symptoms include irritated, itchy, or discolored skin. The infection usually strikes the paws or ears, where yeast has a cozy space to grow. Yeast infections are easy to diagnose and often respond well to a topical cream. In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe oral drugs or medicated baths.

I hope you suggest this to your vet so you can at least try something until you get to the bottom of whatever the problem is.